CASSETTE FOR USE IN A MEDICATION DELIVERY FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly comprises a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The membrane is located between the lid and base portions along the fluid flow passage. A reinforcing structure, such as a ring or a rigid disk, is positioned between the fluid pressure membrane and the lid portion to provide increased resistance to pressure in the fluid flow passage. The ring or disk can be a separate component or formed on the membrane. The membrane thickness adjacent to sensor access openings in the lid portion can be increased for pressure resistance, too.

2010-11-11

20100286600

TRANSDERMAL PATCH DEVICE - A patch device worn by a user is disclosed that is configured to sense the presence of a harmful substance in the environment and to deliver an antidote to that substance into the user without the intervention of the user. The patch device incorporates a sensing mechanism configured to sense a presence of the harmful substance in the environment surrounding the patch device. On sensing the presence of the harmful substance, the sensor triggers a delivery mechanism, which causes the therapeutic agent to be injected into the user. The therapeutic agent acts to antidote the effects of the harmful substance within the user. The patch device could be used for protection against exposure to substances such as nerve gas and pesticides. The patch could be used to deliver the therapeutic agent either subcutaneously or transdermally.

2010-11-11

20100286601

MAINTAINING GLYCEMIC CONTROL DURING EXERCISE - Devices, apparatuses and methods for controlling blood-glucose levels during exercise are described. For example, an insulin infusion apparatus can include a control module to regulate a rate of therapeutic fluid release into a body of a patient based on a determined therapeutic fluid requirement profile, and a dispensing unit to release therapeutic fluid at the regulated rate. The methods and devices can be implemented by receiving a first value corresponding to a first glucose concentration before an exercise activity of a user; receiving a second value corresponding to a second glucose concentration after the exercise activity for the user; determining a glucose concentration change based on a difference between the second value and the first value; modifying a basal rate based on a comparison of the glucose concentration change with a predetermined threshold value; and, recording the modified basal rate in a computer-readable memory device.

2010-11-11

20100286602

DISPOSABLE INFUSION DEVICE WITH RESETTABLE LAST DOSE LOCK-OUT - A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, and a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet when actuated. The device further includes a lock-out that disables actuation of the device responsive to a predetermined condition of the device. The lock-out is resettable.

2010-11-11

20100286603

KIT AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF A DEGARELIX SOLUTION - A kit and method for preparing a Degarelix solution for administration to a patient. The kit includes a first chamber containing lyophilised Degarelix, a second chamber containing water, a syringe for transferring the water from the first chamber to the second chamber, at least one of a hypodermic needle, a safety needle device, or a needleless device for delivery of the Degarelix to the patient, and a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus is configured to receive the first chamber to mix the Degarelix and water to produce a Degarelix solution suitable for deliver to a patient. The method includes transferring a volume of water from a first chamber into a second chamber containing lyophilised Degarelix, connecting the second chamber to a mixing apparatus and mixing the water and lyophilised Degarelix for a period of time.

2010-11-11

20100286604

Universal Syringe with Retractable Needle - This invention relates to medical devices useful for infusion therapy and, more particularly, to a syringe that can be selectively used with a retractable needle or with frontal attachment devices such as luer hubs, valves or other connectors in needleless systems.

2010-11-11

20100286605

VALVE FOR MIXING OF SUBSTANCES - A valve is provided herein for permitting mixing of at least two components, the valve including a body configured for slidable liquid tight engagement with an injector or drug cartridge barrel. The body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel extending therebetween, the channel having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A poppet is sealingly and slidably disposed in the channel to selectively move between first and second positions. The poppet includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid channel, the fluid channel being defined in the poppet and extending from an outlet opening located distally of the distal end of the body. With the poppet being in the first position, the poppet defines a liquid tight seal in the channel such that liquid flow through the channel is prevented. With the poppet being in the second position, the fluid channel is in communication with the proximal portion of the channel so as to define a liquid flow path from the proximal portion of the channel to the outlet opening. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a valve is provided which permits controlled separation and mixing of substances in a standard injector or drug cartridge barrel, without any modification required thereto.

2010-11-11

20100286606

POWDER AUTOMATIC MIXING APPARATUS - The present invention discloses a device for automatically mixing powder for injection, comprising an injector body, a solvent bottle, a needle, a first impelling unit and a second impelling unit, said injector body has a solute bottle and its mouth is opposite the mouth of said solvent bottle, said first impelling unit is disposed upon said solvent bottle for driving said solvent slide along said solute bottle; said second impelling unit is sleeved with a needle and locate between said mouth of solute bottle and mouth of solvent bottle, further comprising a first and a second impelling sleeve; wherein said first and second impelling sleeve are driven by said solvent bottle to slide along said solute bottle, so the first end of said needle is fixed and extend through said solute bottle, said solvent bottle further drive said first impelling sleeve and said second impelling sleeve to turn with each other, finally said second impelling sleeve slide opposite said first impelling sleeve to make the second end of said needle extend through said solvent bottle. The device for automatically mixing powder for injection applied in the present technical solution, which is convenient, efficient and safe to operate, moreover, the structure is simple, the manufacturing process and assembly is easy and of low cost.

2010-11-11

20100286607

PATIENT STATUS SENSOR - Embodiments of a patient status sensor can be applied to a patient or trauma victim to provide a quick visual and/or audible indication of the patient's vital signs (e.g., respiration, heart rate, or other vital signs). Certain embodiments are configured as an adhesive patch that includes electrodes for measuring heart rate (and respiration in some implementations), a processor configured to perform calculations for determining one or more vital signs using information from the electrodes, and audible or visual indicators to communicate information about vital signs or patient status to a medical attendant. Certain embodiments include an access opening for providing intraosseous delivery of fluids to bone marrow (e.g., through sternal or long bone) and can be integrated or used with an intraosseous delivery system. Certain embodiments include wired or wireless components to communicate vital signs or patient status to an external monitoring device.

2010-11-11

20100286608

DRUG-COATED BALLOON CATHETER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - The invention relates to a drug-coated balloon catheter and to a method for producing the same. The balloon of the catheter includes (i) a main membrane, and (ii) an asymmetrical polymer membrane which is applied to an outside of the main membrane and into which at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient is introduced.

2010-11-11

20100286609

UNIVERSAL SAFETY SYRINGE - A syringe comprises a generally-cylindrical, hollow barrel with a hollow nozzle at a distal end thereof. A plunger with an open channel is slidably mounted in the barrel. A needle holder with a needle mounted at one end thereof is arranged in the plunger channel, and movable between an advanced position, whereat the needle projects from a distal end of the nozzle for injection, and a retracted position, whereat the needle is enclosed within the barrel when the injection is complete. A spring retainer is arranged in the barrel. A spring is positioned within the spring retainer, urging the needle holder toward the retracted position. A latch latches the needle holder to the spring retainer thereby maintaining the spring in compression. The latch is releasable in response to the plunger moving to its fully advanced position, whereby the needle holder is released, allowing the spring to expand and thereby move the needle holder to the retracted position.

2010-11-11

20100286610

Disposable safety syringe with retractable needle - A disposable safety syringe in one embodiment includes a stepped syringe barrel comprising two opposite mating members on an inner surface proximate a distal end; a plunger comprising a connection member and a breakable section behind the connection member; a first needle assembly comprising a needle and a needle hub secured to the distal end of the syringe barrel; and a hollow second needle assembly shaped to lockingly secure to the first needle assembly in the syringe barrel, the second needle assembly comprising two opposite corresponding mating members on an outer surface, the corresponding mating members being lockingly engaged with the mating members. After dispensing, the plunger may clockwise rotate about the syringe barrel until the mating members and the corresponding mating members are unlocked lengthwise each other. The plunger, the second needle assembly, and the first needle assembly may move rearward to retract the needle within the syringe barrel.

2010-11-11

20100286611

NEEDLE SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A needle device includes a body, a needle shield movable relative to the body, a needle at least partially arranged in the body, and a safety system that at least one of causes the needle shield to move to an extended position when activated by a user, releasably retains the needle shield in a retracted position after the user moves the needle shield to the retracted position, prevents a user from triggering the device, locks the needle shield in a fully extended position, prevents the needle shield from being retained in a retracted position after a user moves the needle shield towards the retracted position, non-releasably retains the needle shield in a fully extended position after being activated by a user, and utilizes two separate re-use prevent mechanisms. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

2010-11-11

20100286612

MEDICATION INJECTION SUPERVISOR DEVICE - A medication injection supervisor device, in one example embodiment, comprises a particular sleeve, the particular sleeve being designed to lock onto to a prefabricated injection pen of a particular design, a universal header designed slide onto the particular sleeve irrespective of the particular model of the prefabricated injection pen, an electronics assembly housed by the universal header, a sensor to detect an injection automatically, the sensor being communicatively coupled to the electronics assembly, a display to display injection data, and a button to allow manipulation and display of the injection data, including resetting of the time. The medication injection supervisor device can infer the completion of the injection from a plunger of the injection pen being depressed. The medication injection supervisor device can further include a dosage reading system to read a dosage of medication delivered by the prefabrication injection pen, the dosage reading system including a clip specific to the prefabricated injection pen coupled to a plunger of the prefabricated injection pen, the dosage being determined by a position of the clip. The medication injection supervisor device can further include a micro optics subsystem communicatively coupled to the electronics assembly and having a dial reader to take one or more images of a dosage dial of the prefabricated injection pen, and an imaging subsystem communicatively coupled to the electronics assembly to recognize characters in the images taken by the dial reader.

INSERTER HAVING BISTABLE EQUILIBRIUM STATES - The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises means for insertion and retraction of an introducer needle. With an inserter device according to the invention it is possible to introduce an insertion needle when placing a medical device sub- or transcutaneously. The Inserter device comprises a housing (

2010-11-11

20100286616

Cannula assembly with detachable inner and outer cannulas - A cannula assembly for injecting implant material into a bone, including an inner cannula defining a central conduit including a first proximal port in communication with the central conduit, an outer cannula surrounding the inner cannula to define a peripheral conduit, and a connector interconnecting the cannulas and detachable from at least one of the cannulas, and at least one of the connector, the first cannula and the second cannula including a second proximal port in communication with the peripheral conduit defined along a direction different than a longitudinal axis of the first and second cannulas.

2010-11-11

20100286617

RING AND SEAL FOR TROCAR - A surgical access apparatus for passing through tissue to an underlying surgical area includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal channel for reception of a surgical object, a seal member mounted to the access member and positioned to intersect the longitudinal channel, and having internal seal surfaces defining a passage and being dimensioned to establish a substantial sealing relation with a surgical object inserted therethrough and a substantially annular element mounted to the seal member and at least partially circumscribing the passage. The annular member is rigid relative to the seal member and defines an opening to permit passage of the object. The annular element is dimensioned to minimize offset manipulation of the surgical object relative to the longitudinal axis.

2010-11-11

20100286618

MULTI NEEDLE - An injector and a needle, which is engaged to the injector by using a needle hub, are disclosed. The multi needle comprises a needle hub which consists of one inlet into which a nozzle of an injector is inserted, and a plurality of outlets communicating with the inlet; and a plurality of needles which are inserted into the outlets of the needle hub, respectively.

SHEATH REMOVER DEVICE - A sheath remover device is of elongate tubular form having a sheath capture region at one end and a passage along which a captured sheath may pass from the capture region. A plurality of latching fingers, each with an internally directed latch, are equi-spaced in the capture region. Two further inwardly directed latches are on the cut out regions. The sheath remover is designed so that, a sheath already disposed in the sheath capture region is pushed along the passage away from the sheath capture region when the remover is offered up to and engages the subsequent sheath. The spacing of the latches and is such that the earlier sheath is not released from latches until the latches have securely engaged in the subsequent sheath, thereby providing an indication of secure engagement of the subsequent sheath. The sheath remover may also be used as a cap and/or a cocking rod.

2010-11-11

20100286621

SAFETY SYRINGE - A safety syringe includes a syringe cylinder, a push rod inserted in the syringe cylinder to push the medicinal liquid, a seat disposed at a front end of the syringe cylinder to receive a syringe needle, wherein the push rod includes a pushing knob with a through bore mounted at a top end thereof; and the seat includes a connection unit provided at a rear end thereof, the pushing knob allows to be pushed into the connection unit, because the pushing knob is pressed to reduce its outer diameter by using the through bore, thereby prevent injuring medicinal personals and obtaining safe protection.

2010-11-11

20100286622

BARREL TYPE PLUNGER FOR USE WITH A NEEDLE-RETRACTABLE SAFETY SYRINGE AND THE SYRINGE USING THE SAME - The present invention provides a needle-retractable safety including an improved barrel type plunger, including a barrel, a needle retracted trigger and a supporting member. A front portion of the barrel is fitted over a sealing rubber pad, a slotted hole is disposed at a wall of the front portion of the barrel, a bearing piece is provided in the slotted hole, and one end of the bearing piece is connected to the front side wall of the slotted hole. The barrel and supporting member are provided with a snap-in structure, respectively, which make supporting member releasably engaged in said barrel. The supporting member is able to translate backwards under the action of a needle retraction force so that said bearing piece can be returned to such a position that said needle can be retracted backwards to the interior of the barrel.

INJECTION DEVICE WITH DOSE METERING MECHANISM WITH MULTIPLE ANTI-ROTATION LOCKING SYSTEM - A drive and dosing module for an injection device, and an injection device including the module, wherein the module includes a dosing member which can be displaced into one of several dosing positions in relation to a drive member to set a product dose, wherein one of the dosing or drive members forms several dosing stops at axially different heights and rotational stops that are associated with the dosing stops and the other member forms at least one selection element, and wherein the drive member can be moved in relation to the dosing member until it reaches a trigger position in which the at least one selection element attains one of the dosing stops and, in said trigger position, the selection element and the rotational stops combine to lock the rotation of the dosing member in both directions.

2010-11-11

20100286625

COUPLING DEVICE - A coupling device for connecting two ends of respective tubular members, allow the opening and the closing of a first tubular member and the simultaneous engagement of the two tubular members, as to prevent pollution, includes: a first case housing a first end of a respective first tubular member, comprising closing means of said first end; a second case, wherein a flexible terminal section of a respective second tubular member is received, comprising means for driving a second end of said second tubular member from a retracted position to a engagement position into said first end and vice versa; and means for reversibly connecting said first and second cases at a respective coupling port thereof, defining a single sealed environment; wherein the engagement and the disengagement of said second end and the automatic mechanical activation and deactivation of said closing means for opening and closing said first end.

Biopsy Site Marker Deployment Device - A biopsy marker deployment device adapted to selectively deposit a marker in a target location, such as a biopsy site. In one embodiment, the device includes a deployment assembly comprising a cannula adapted to house at least one marker, an outlet aperture defined by a portion of the cannula, and an actuatable pushrod slidably disposed and movable within the cannula. The deployment assembly further comprises a selectively opening outlet door movable between an open position and a closed position. The outlet door is biased in the closed position and at least partially obstructs the aperture in the closed position to prevent a marker from reentering the cannula upon deployment.

2010-11-11

20100286628

GASTRIC ANCHOR - A swallowable medical treatment device is configured to initially assume a contracted state having a volume of less than 4 cm3. The device includes a gastric anchor, which initially assumes a contracted size, and which is configured to, upon coming in contact with a liquid, expand sufficiently to prevent passage of the gastric anchor through a round opening having a diameter of between 1 cm and 3 cm. The device also includes a duodenal unit, which is configured to pass through the opening, and which is coupled to the gastric anchor such that the duodenal unit is held between 1 cm and 20 cm from the gastric anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

2010-11-11

20100286629

Port - A port for implantation under the skin of a human or animal body comprises a housing (

SKIN MOISTURIZING PAD - A moisturizing pad has a heat generating element sandwiched between first and second surface sheets. The heat generating element contains metal powders, salt, water and water retaining materials adapted to generate oxidation heat and thereby to convert the water to moisture vapor as the element is supplied with oxygen through an air-permeable first surface sheet. The salt and water are provided in a form of saline solution having a salt concentration of 18-22% by weight and the heat generating element is impregnated with such a saline solution in a range of 17.5 to 26% by weight of the element.

2010-11-11

20100286632

Multi-Layer Heat Assembly For A Drug Delivery Device - In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber to hold a substance (e.g., a drug) to be injected into an eye, a thermal feedback layer with at least one thermal sensor, and a temperature control layer to apply or remove heat from the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, the thermal feedback layer and the temperature control layer may be coupled to each other and/or coupled to the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal sensors may be secured between the temperature control layer and the dispensing chamber using a thermal adhesive.

2010-11-11

20100286633

Precision Lid Retracting Eyedropper Device - Precision lid retracting eyedropper device with a hollow, rigid housing having an upper aperture that allows a push button topped piston to enter the housing where the piston can impinge on a resilient tubular member that is part of a pump assembly. The housing also includes a solution storing chamber that feeds solution to the pump assembly. A solution exit tube attached to the outgoing portion of the pump assembly emanates from the bottom part of the housing and can be directed towards the user's eye. Integral downwardly facing resilient legs are placed just above and below the user's orbital ridge so that when the legs are squeezed and released, the user's eye lids are forced open allowing the user to dispense a precise amount of solution into his or her eye. A precision eye drop solution container having the ability to retain and dispense a precise single portion of eye drop solution each time the user depresses an actuator device located on and within the housing of the container. The container includes downwardly facing legs and feet that are parallel to each other and spaced so that the foot of each leg can align and make contact with the upper and lower orbital socket of the user. The feet have rubber-like under surfaces whose soft yet gripping quality acts to help hold the eye lids of the user in the open position. The dispensing action can be automated and an LED light indicating that dispensing has occurred.

2010-11-11

20100286634

Automated Eyedrop Delivery System with Eyelid Retracting Legs - An eye drop bottle holder with resilient legs includes an inverted U-shaped member made from resilient injection molded plastic. The top portion of the inverted U-shaped member includes an eye drop bottle holder. The right and left leg of the U-shape each terminate in an outwardly disposed J-shape covered by a soft rubber-like pad. The user can attach an eye drop bottle to the inverted U-shaped member so that the dispensing tip of the bottle is in close proximity the user's eye. The user can cause his or her eye lid to remain open by squeezing the right and left legs together, then placing the pads on the upper and lower eye orbit, then releasing the legs causing the flesh of the user's eyelids to be spread apart. In a preferred embodiment, an electro-mechanical assembly can automatically press on the side wall of the bottle to cause a predetermined amount of solution to be dispensed. An LED light flashes (is either activated or deactivated) to show the user that a dispensing event has taken place.

2010-11-11

20100286635

WOUND DRESSING WITH ABSORPTION AND SUCTION CAPABILITIES SUPPORT - A wound dressing having a suction member adaptable for connection to a source of vacuum pressure. The wound dressing preferably has a hydrophobic or biodegradable base layer and one or more absorptive layers for absorbing fluid from the wound. The absorptive layers are preferably quilted with patches containing desiccant, adsorbent, or absorbent material. Alternatively, the wound dressing may allow fluid to pass through the suction member. A semi-permeable cover is provided for allowing the wound to breathe while protecting the wound from undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, or fluids. The cover may have a bladder for distributing contact pressure away from the wound. Various sensors may be provided in the wound dressing for sensing various physiological parameters in the wound, such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, and serous fluid turbidity. Medicine may also be applied to the wound through the wound dressing.

2010-11-11

20100286636

DISPOSABLE NOZZLE - The present invention relates to a disposable nozzle for inserting into a hand piece for treating and cleaning wounds by means of a highly focused high-pressure micro water jet. The disposable nozzle comprises a cylindrical nozzle body having a centrally traversing orifice body duct, which is laterally closed, as well as a cylindrical orifice with a centrally traversing orifice duct. The orifice is disposed in a recess that is centrally arranged in the frontal terminal region of the nozzle body at the front side in such a manner that both ducts adjoin to each other in a coaxial manner. An O-ring is disposed in the recess between the nozzle body and the orifice in a clamping manner, wherein the O-ring centrally retains the orifice in the nozzle body.

2010-11-11

20100286637

MEDICAL SKIN APPLICATOR APPARATUS - A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface.

2010-11-11

20100286638

Orientation Independent Canister for a Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device - A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

2010-11-11

20100286639

MEDICAL DRESSING WITH EDGE PORT AND METHODS OF USE - Medical dressings and medical dressing kits that can be used to provide a ported medical dressing for placement over a wound or other body site where controlled fluid access is desired. The controlled fluid access provided by the medical dressings may be useful to remove fluids from the wound (as in, e.g., negative or reduced pressure therapies), to provide one or more gases to a wound site, to provide one or more liquids to a wound site, and/or to provide one or more active agents to a wound site. To achieve controlled fluid access, the medical dressing and medical dressing kits may include a port body with a lower surface that is adhesively adhered to the skin at the periphery of a wound or other body site.

2010-11-11

20100286640

Layered Adhesive Construction With Adhesive Layers Having Different Hydrocolloid Composition - A layered adhesive construction comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive, where the first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive have different composition, and the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is at least partly interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer, the first and second adhesive layers consisting of a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase where the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises a hydrocolloids providing a higher moisture absorption capacity and higher initial rate of absorption to the adhesive layer than the hydrocolloids in the discontinuous phase of the second adhesive layer, and the discontinuous phase of second layer of adhesive comprises hydrocolloids providing a higher cohesion following moisture absorption to the adhesive compared to the hydrocolloid in the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer.

2010-11-11

20100286641

ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, an absorbent article includes a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and an absorbent layer interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer is treated with at one least substance including dimethicone and/or at least one antimicrobial booster. The absorbent layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial agent.

2010-11-11

20100286642

WATER-STABLE, OIL-MODIFIED, NONREACTIVE ALKYD RESIN CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVES, AND USE THEREOF - Disclosed herein is a new use for water-stable, oil-modified, nonreactive alkyd resins. It has now been found that such resins can be used as the predominant component of a construction adhesive employed in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, for example. As such, the construction adhesive need not employ plasticizers, tackifiers, and conventional polymers required by hot-melt adhesives typically used as construction adhesives. Furthermore, in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, the construction adhesive containing a water-stable, oil-modified, nonreactive, alkyd resin does not need to be processed or applied at the high temperatures required of construction adhesives containing reactive alkyds.

2010-11-11

20100286643

Sani-pantie - The sani-pantie provides many benefits that include convenience, safety, comfort, and less expense. Some of the benefits of the sani-pantie include, but are not limited to, are: deters ruining expensive panties with menstrual and/or vaginal cream stains, saves on excessive laundering, dismisses frustration of unremovable stains from expensive panties, negates re-infecting vaginal areas when vaginal cream treatments are finished, use in high humidity areas for comfort and freshness when needed, when vacationing, reducing the need for excessive laundering, during menstruation and use of vaginal creams and preparations, can be used by hospitals for female patients of varying diagnoses, can be placed in vending machines in female bathrooms in hotels, corporations, and etc.

2010-11-11

20100286644

Substrates With Printed Patterns Thereon Providing A Three-Dimensional Appearance - Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface.

2010-11-11

20100286645

Patterned Application of Activated Carbon Ink - An odor control substrate that is applied with an activated carbon ink is provided. The activated carbon ink is applied in a pattern that covers from about 25% to about 95% of the surface area of the substrate. Although not covering the entire surface, the present inventors have discovered that the activated carbon ink is still capable of providing good odor reduction qualities to the substrate. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the odor control substrate to a consumer, one or more colored inks may also be applied the substrate in a pattern that may or may not overlap with the activated carbon ink pattern. The colored ink(s) may contrast well with the activated carbon ink to provide an overall design that is more aesthetically than otherwise would be provided by a uniform coating of activated carbon ink.

2010-11-11

20100286646

ABSORBENT ARTICLE - An absorbent article includes a belt member defining front and rear waist regions and a liquid-absorbent structure defining a crotch region wherein the belt member includes a peripheral edge of a waist-opening and this peripheral edge includes two segments associated with the front and rear waist regions spaced from and opposed to each other in an anteroposterior direction Y. Front and rear belt sections of the belt member include, in the front and rear waist regions, see-through regions for the article wearer's skin having a total light transmittance of about 55% or higher and occupying 40% or more of the front and rear waist regions. The front and rear belt sections are provided along the peripheral edge of the waist-opening with a reinforcing elastic member extending in a transverse direction X.

PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT AND METHOD OF USE - A pharmaceutical product includes a container. The container, in turn, includes a receptacle having a wall including a layer of nickel or nickel alloy, the layer facing an interior of the receptacle. The product also includes a halogenated anesthetic selected from the group consisting of sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, enflurane, methoxyflurane and halothane disposed within the container.

2010-11-11

20100286649

IMPLANTABLE DEVICE FASTENING SYSTEM - A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.

2010-11-11

20100286650

Medical Fluid Container - A medical fluid container is disclosed that comprises a single reservoir of fluid impermeable material having a fluid impermeable barrier dividing the reservoir into at least first and second fluid-holding compartments. A valve is selectively movable to allow flow of fluid from the compartments. A method of dispensing medical fluids from a medical fluid container is also disclosed.

2010-11-11

20100286651

Multiple Segmented Peristaltic Pump and Cassette - In various embodiments, a surgical cassette, configured to engage peristaltic pump rollers, may include two or more pump segments between a sheet and a substrate coupled to the sheet. The two or more pump segments on the cassette may produce additional flow (e.g., approximately twice the flow for two segments as opposed to one) than if the cassette had only one pump segment engaging the roller. Further, in some embodiments, the two or more pump segments and rollers on the roller head may be configured to provide a flow profile in which a peak of a pulse from a first pump segment is at least partially out of phase with a peak of a pulse from the second pump segment. The combined resultant flow may then have a flow profile with pulsation amplitudes that are smaller than the individual pump segment pulsation amplitudes.

2010-11-11

20100286652

TECHNIQUES FOR DELIVERY OF STEM CELL AND RELATED THERAPIES TO TREAT CARDIAC CONDITIONS - An exemplary method includes acquiring cardiac electrical activity information; detecting cardiac events within the information including T waves, QRS complexes and/or P waves; and calling for delivery of matter to the heart during a period of time based on the cardiac events. The delivery may occur between a detected T wave and its immediately subsequent QRS complex. The matter being delivered may include stem cells, progenitor cells, nutrients and/or drugs.

2010-11-11

20100286653

REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE FOR USE WITH INSULIN INFUSION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatuses providing accessibility options for the blind and poorly sighted for use with insulin therapy systems. A remote control device, with speech output capability and comprehensive speech menu system, may monitor or intercept data generated by a blood glucose meter, and delay, modify and retransmit said data to an insulin pump. The remote control device may also be used to program and set operating parameters of an insulin pump and also record data received from an insulin pump. The remote control device may also be used in conjunction with a personal computing device.

2010-11-11

20100286654

Multiple Thermal Sensors in a Multiple Processor Environment for Temperature Control in a Drug Delivery Device - In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber, a first thermal sensor coupled to the dispensing chamber, a temperature control layer coupled to the dispensing chamber, a second thermal sensor coupled to the dispensing chamber, and a first processing device. The first processing device may be configured to receive temperature information from the first thermal sensor and the second thermal sensor and control the temperature control layer using the received temperature information. In some embodiments, the first processing device may receive temperature information directly from the second thermal sensor (e.g., in analog form) and may compare the temperature information from the first thermal sensor (e.g., received from the second processing device in digital form) and the second thermal sensor to detect temperature offsets between the two sensors.

2010-11-11

20100286655

Targeted Drug Delivery Device and Method - A targeted drug delivery device is provided. The device comprises an elongated member with proximal and distal ends, a plurality of infusion ports associated with the distal end of the elongated member, and a selector mechanism for selectively placing an introducer port into fluid communication with at least one infusion port. A method for treating tissue is also provided. The method comprises introducing a medical device into the tissue, selecting a region of the tissue to treat, positioning the medical device in proximity to the region, and introducing a medicament through the device to treat only that region.

2010-11-11

20100286656

SAFETY NEEDLE WITH POSITIVE FLUSH - A safety needle device and method of supplying fluid to a vascular access port is described. The device may include a base member, a handle member, and a compressible member positioned between the handle member and a compression plate. The compressible member is coupled to a proximal end of a needle. Following the delivery of fluid to a vascular access port, the needle is removed by moving the handle member away from the base member, which collapses the compressible member, flushing fluid into the vascular access port to substantially replace a volume of the needle.

2010-11-11

20100286657

HIGH-FLOW TAPERED PERIPHERAL IV CATHETER WITH SIDE OUTLETS - A high-volume peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter and method includes an elongate stylet removably disposed in the lumen of an elongate catheter with the stylet having a beveled distal end forming a piercing tip that protrudes from the outlet port of the catheter. The catheter has a proximal cylindrical shape from the inlet port transitioning at a transition to an inner lumen conical taper terminating at the outlet port, and having a larger internal diameter at the inlet port and a tapering smaller internal diameter between the transition and the outlet port. A plurality of side outlet ports is formed laterally through the catheter in the inner lumen conical taper. A cross-sectional area of the outlet port and the side outlet ports together is equal or greater than a cross-sectional area of the inlet port.

2010-11-11

20100286658

INVENTORY SPARING CATHETER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Some embodiments relate to a catheter system having a changeable or adjustable working length. The catheter system can comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axial lumen configured to receive a guidewire formed through at least a portion of the catheter body. A first opening can be formed through a portion of the catheter body and be in communication with the first lumen. The sheath can be rotatable, axially movable, or otherwise changeable from at least a first position to a second position, wherein the sheath can substantially cover the first opening in the catheter body in the first position, and can substantially expose the first opening in the catheter body in the second position.

2010-11-11

20100286659

MEDICAL DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF LIQUIDS - An apparatus and method for delivering liquid within an orifice of an animal is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow syringe defining a vessel having an open end; a plunger, slidingly and sealingly disposed within the vessel; and a flexible delivery tube, having a first end sealingly coupled to the open end and a delivery end for dispensing the liquid proximate the orifice. A light source directing light to the delivery end of the flexible tube may also be included.

2010-11-11

20100286660

GASTRORETENTIVE DUODENAL PILL - Apparatus is provided that includes a swallowable medical treatment device, which is configured to initially assume a contracted state having a volume of less than 4 cm3. The device includes a gastric anchor, which initially assumes a contracted size, and which is configured to, upon coming in contact with a liquid, expand sufficiently to prevent passage of the anchor through a round opening having a diameter of between 1 cm and 3 cm. The device also includes a duodenal unit, which is configured to pass through the opening, and which is coupled to the gastric anchor such that the duodenal unit is held between 1 cm and 20 cm from the gastric anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

CATHETER AID - A device for the removal and insertion of a supra-pubic catheter. The device has a body comprising a contact surface for contacting with a patient's skin, an opposed pressing surface adapted to have pressure applied thereon by a user and a slot extending from a side edge of the body towards the centre thereof, the slot being adapted to receive the tube of the catheter therein, such that when the catheter is inserted in a patient, the tube of the catheter is substantially perpendicular to the patient's abdomen. The contact surface includes a raised portion adapted to compress the patient's skin when said pressure is applied to the pressing surface, which eases the pain and tissue trauma experienced during insertion and removal of the supra-pubic catheter.

2010-11-11

20100286663

GUIDE WIRE - A guide wire includes a wire body having a first wire disposed at a distal end and a second wire joined to a proximal end of the first wire at a joint by welding. The joint is curved. In the joint, at least one component (e.g., Ti) of the material of the first wire decreases toward the proximal end and at least one component (e.g., Fe) of the material of the second wire decreases toward the distal end. When a tensile test is conducted on a region of the wire body including the joint, the region of the wire body has, in a tensile load and elongation diagram, an elastic section extending substantially straight upwardly to the right, a yield section extending substantially horizontally or upwardly to the right from the elastic section, and a substantially straight section extending upwardly to the right from the yield section.

2010-11-11

20100286664

CATHETER PUSH DEVICE - A clamping device for gripping a catheter shaft to facilitate advancement in a patient's body lumen. The clamping device is preferably configured to be releasably secured to the catheter shaft and longitudinally slidable along the catheter shaft. The clamping device comprises a body portion that couples to a portion of the catheter adapter on a proximal end, and an axially directed internal lumen sized to receive the catheter shaft. Extending longitudinally from the body portion are opposed, resilient cantilevered fingers that flex inwardly against the catheter shaft upon application of digital pressure from the practitioner's thumb and forefinger to grip and capture the catheter shaft, thereby increasing the surface area of the interaction between the practitioner and the catheter and enhancing pushability.

2010-11-11

20100286665

Medical handpiece with automatic power switching means - A medical instrument includes a handpiece, an electromechanical transducer disposed in the handpiece, and an electrical circuit disposed at least partially in the handpiece for supplying alternating electrical current of a predetermined frequency to the transducer. A probe is operatively connected to the transducer for transmitting vibrations generated by the transducer to an operative site in a patient. A switching device is mounted to the handpiece and is operatively connected to the circuit and the transducer for enabling the supply of power to the transducer during a motion of the probe in a preselected direction relative to the handpiece and for disabling the supply of power to the transducer upon a termination of motion of the probe in the preselected direction.

2010-11-11

20100286666

DRAINAGE APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A drainage apparatus for an incapacitated person or ostomy patient having a urine draining device or stoma respectively, the apparatus comprising a conduit (

CAPSULE MEDICAL APPARATUS - A capsule medical apparatus includes a living tissue drawing portion in which a space for drawing the living tissue into a body of the capsule medical apparatus is formed; a movable unit that includes an engaging unit, which can be engaged with the living tissue of the subject, and that moves on a surface of the body of the capsule medical apparatus and in the living tissue drawing portion; an injection needle that has an ejection port for a drug and that protrudes such that the ejection port is positioned in the living tissue drawing portion; and an injection needle driver that drives the injection needle such that the injection needle protrudes.

2010-11-11

20100286669

DEVICES FOR INTERFACING BETWEEN MANIPULATORS AND SURGICAL TOOLS - A device, system and method for interfacing between an end effector of a manipulator and a surgical tool. Embodiments may include an upper tool holder element and a lower tool holder element. Embodiments may also include a drape between the end effector and the manipulator. Embodiments may also include two force sensors and a coupling arranged in a force sensor system for use with an end effector that includes a tool roll driver.

2010-11-11

20100286670

SURGICAL TOOL KIT - A tool kit for interchanging tools within an at least partially closed area is provided. The tool kit includes at least one tool, each tool being preferably provided within a tubular housing, and adapted to pivot out from the tool kit so that they can be attached to a receiving tool. The tool is designed to be returned to the tool kit after use, and if desired, switched with a different tool. In one embodiment, a surgical system permitting surgical tools to be interchanged within a patient's body is provided. A method of interchanging surgical tools within a patient's body is also provided.

2010-11-11

20100286671

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HOLDER - An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

2010-11-11

20100286672

Laser Scalpel - The invention is based on the object of specifying a laser scalpel, by means of which a high proportion of the laser light coupled into the scalpel body can be provided on the scalpel edge or is able to emerge therefrom. According to a first aspect, the invention is based on the idea of coupling the laser light into the scalpel body at an acute angle, with respect to the surface normal of the coupling-in surface, that is to say with respect to the direction or axis perpendicular or normal to the coupling-in surface.

2010-11-11

20100286673

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE - Devices and methods of treatment of tissue, such as skin tissue, with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are disclosed that employ local deformation of tissue in small areas. Devices and methods employing local deformation are used to produce fractional lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissue for application including hair growth management.

2010-11-11

20100286674

SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IMAGING AND SURGERY - Provided herein are devices, systems and methods for imaging of biological tissue. Also provided are devices, systems and methods for surgical manipulation of biological tissue. Further provided are devices, systems and methods for combined imaging and surgical manipulation of biological tissue.

2010-11-11

20100286675

Surgical instrument - Provided is surgical instrument which can provide a field of view over surgical site by sucking blood from bleeding site during surgery on body tissue of patient and monitoring dark and deep surgical site, which operator cannot see with his or her naked eye, with small camera. The surgical instrument has substantially the same shape as a pair of scissors and includes first body, second body having shape symmetrical to that of the first body, hinge to which the first and second bodies cross and are rotatably coupled, and photographing unit provided in the hinge to photograph a surgical site between front ends of the first and second bodies. The photographing unit may include camera mounted in the hinge such that lens of the camera can be exposed through the center of the front surface of the hinge and configured to transmit photographed image data to monitor.

2010-11-11

20100286676

CRYOSURGICAL CATHETER - A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

2010-11-11

20100286677

CRYOSURGICAL CATHETER - A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

2010-11-11

20100286678

Medical Devices - Medical systems and methods including balloons having nanotubes are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical system includes an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the shaft and including nanotubes. The medical system is capable of cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a medical device having an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the elongated shaft and including nanotubes; and cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C.

2010-11-11

20100286679

Systems and Methods for Prostate Treatment - An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. The energy delivery probe can include a vapor delivery member configured to extend into a transition zone prostate tissue. A condensable vapor media can be delivered from the vapor delivery member into the transition zone tissue, wherein the condensable vapor media can propagate interstitially in the transition zone tissue and be confined in the transition zone tissue by boundary tissue adjacent to the transition zone tissue Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

2010-11-11

20100286680

ABLATION APPARATUS - Disclosed is an apparatus for ablating biological tissues, the apparatus is configured with a cannula, a balloon inflatable with a gaseous medium and coupled to the cannula, and an electromagnetic antenna coupled to the balloon operative to emit electromagnetic waves which heat the wall of the balloon. The wall is made from wave penetrating material impregnated with a plurality of wave absorbing particles which are heated to the desired ablation temperature by the absorbed electromagnetic waves.

2010-11-11

20100286681

Power-Stage Antenna Integrated System - Disclosed is a system for generating and delivery electrosurgical energy, the system including a microwave generator and a power-stage device. The microwave generator further including a microwave signal generator configured to generate a microwave frequency signal at a first power level and a DC power supply configured to generate a DC power signal. The power-stage device connects to the microwave signal generator by a transmission line and is configured to receive the microwave frequency signal and the DC power signal from the transmission line. The power-stage device further including a power-stage microwave signal amplifier configured to amplify the microwave frequency signal from the first power level to at least one second power level and a microwave antenna configured to transmit the microwave frequency signal.

2010-11-11

20100286682

Power-Stage Antenna Integrated System with Junction Member - Disclosed is a microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy. The assembly includes a proximal portion having an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a DC power and a DC neutral each extending therethrough the antenna has a distal radiating section and a proximal radiating section and a junction member. The junction member includes a longitudinal thickness and is disposed between the proximal radiating section and the distal radiating section. The junction member further includes a microwave signal amplifier configured to receive a microwave signal at a first power level from the inner and outer conductor and a DC power signal from the DC power and DC neutral. The microwave signal amplifier amplifies the microwave signal from a first power level to a second power level greater than the first power level.

2010-11-11

20100286683

Power-Stage Antenna Integrated System with High-Strength Shaft - Disclosed is a microwave antenna assembly that includes proximal and distal radiating sections and a junction member. The proximal radiating section includes inner and outer conductors and DC power and neutral conductors. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and the DC power and neutral conductors are disposed radially outward therefrom. The junction member mates the distal and proximal radiating sections such that the distal and proximal radiating sections are positioned relative to one another. The junction member further includes a microwave signal amplifier (MSA) that receives a signal at a first energy level from the inner and outer conductors and a DC power signal from the DC power and neutral conductors. The MSA amplifies the signal from the first energy level to an additional, greater energy level. The junction member provides the microwave signal at the additional energy level to the proximal and distal radiating sections.

2010-11-11

20100286684

IRRIGATED ABLATION CATHETER WITH MULTIPLE SEGMENTED ABLATION ELECTRODES - In one embodiment, an irrigated catheter ablation apparatus comprises an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of segmented ablation electrodes on a distal portion of the elongated body. The electrodes are spaced from the proximal end and from the distal end of the elongated body by electrically nonconductive segments. The electrodes are spaced from each other longitudinally by electrically nonconductive segments. For each electrode that is longitudinally disposed next to one of the nonconductive segments, an edge is formed between an electrode end of the electrode and a nonconductive segment end of the nonconductive segment. A plurality of elution holes are disposed adjacent to the edges. A plurality of ducts establish fluid communication between the elution holes and the fluid lumen.

2010-11-11

20100286685

Electrosurgical generator - An electrosurgical generator for coagulating tissue comprises a source of radio frequency (RF) energy, and at least a pair of output terminals for connection to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument adapted to contact tissue, the output terminals delivering RF energy from the source to the instrument such that the source delivers RF energy into tissue. The generator also includes boiling detection means for determining when the RF energy starts to cause the boiling of electrolytes within the tissue. A timer is adapted to determine when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the boiling detection means has indicated the start of the boiling of electrolytes. An indication means gives an indication when the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

2010-11-11

20100286686

SURGICAL RESECTION APPARATUS - Surgical cutting apparatus having a treatment channel and a measurement channel for conveying microwave energy from a source to an antenna at a cutting edge. The measurement channel operates at lower power than the treatment channel for determining when higher energy can be safely applied. The apparatus may deliver microwave radiation at differing frequencies to one or more antennas at the cutting edge, e.g. to provide different treatment effects. The source may generate an output for an antenna whose frequency can be selected e.g. for most efficient operation. Selection may be automatic based on detected magnitude and phase of reflected signals during a frequency sweep of a forward signal. Power delivered to tissue via the cutting element may be manually boosted to deal with large blood vessels. The apparatus may include a reflected power monitor for recognising behaviour in reflected signals received from the antenna to trigger automatic pre-emptive action.

2010-11-11

20100286687

Dual Energy Therapy Needle - A therapy needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the therapy needle is that it can apply microwave energy to tissue to produce a coagulative spherical volumetric ablation of the tissue. In some embodiments, the volumetric ablation can have a diameter ranging from 1 cm to 4 cm and can be formed in less than 3 minutes. Another feature of the therapy needle is that it can utilize an electric cutting device on a distal portion of the needle to cut a hole in high density tissue. Methods associated with use of the therapy needle are also covered.

2010-11-11

20100286688

FLEXIBLE ABLATION CLAMP - Ablation devices comprising elongated flexible members that are repositioned to at least partially surround tissue to be ablated. The exemplary ablation instruments utilize rigid or semi-rigid devices that are either affixed to the flexible member or repositionable along the flexible member. The clamping and ablating surfaces include electrodes or other means for delivering ablation energy. The electrodes may be brought into proximity with each other so as to provide a uniform force profile across the tissue to be ablated. In such a circumstance, once the tissue between the clamping and ablating surfaces is compressed, the electrodes are activated to create an ablation lesion.

2010-11-11

20100286689

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING CANCER CELL ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FOR MEDICAL THERAPY - A scientific computer system with processor capable of recording, storing and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. The reprogramming process is designed to create a confounding electrical signal for retransmission into a malignant tumor to damage or shut-down the cellular internal electrical communication system. Altering the electrical charge on the glycocalyx of the outer cell membrane is also part of the treatment by application of ions. The invention causes cancer cell death as a medical treatment using ultra-low voltage and amperage encoded signals which are reprogrammed from cancer cell communication signals.

2010-11-11

20100286690

Assessment of electrode coupling for tissue ablation - An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.

2010-11-11

20100286691

Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.

2010-11-11

20100286692

EXPANDABLE ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE AND METHOD - A device for radial expansion in an endoluminal cavity in a bone is disclosed. The device can be used to treat bone fractures. The device can have a first radially expandable portion and a second radially expandable portion.

2010-11-11

20100286693

DISPOSABLE CARTILAGE CUTTER - A medical device that is composed of a sterilizable material, is used to create thin cartilage discs, and includes a device body and a cover with a plurality of holding devices, each of which includes a section that with a recess located in the top side of the device body, the recess being entirely or partially enclosed by a delimiting ridge, and being closable via a projection located on the top side of the cover, and in which the lateral delimiting ridge has a guide slot, into which a cutting blade is inserted and guided via an end face of the section and extends, at a distance that differs for each section, parallel to the bottom surface of the particular recess. It is therefore possible to create thin cartilage discs having certain, different thicknesses and a consistent level of quality, even without using the known shims.

2010-11-11

20100286694

Surgical drill with curved burr attachment and method - A surgical drilling instrument with a Curved Burr Attachment having an adapter removably coupled to a drill motor and a burr attachment coupled to said adapter. The burr attachment includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil wire surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking. The burr attachment includes a proximal end support and a distal end support formed on the end of said burr attachment wherein the wire shaft is affixed to said proximal end support and rotates relative to said distal end support and includes detents formed on each of the supports for engaging balls in said adapter so as to be operatively connected thereto when the burr attachment is aligned in said adapter to couple the burr attachment to said adapter for rotary motion of said wire shaft and locating the cutter of said burr attachment to a precise location relative to the end of the adapter. The burr attachment being disposable and the adapter being re-usable.

2010-11-11

20100286695

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE LATERAL DECOMPRESSION - A system for laterally decompressing one or more spinal nerves comprises an access sheath, a tool guide, and a bone removal tool. The access sheath is percutaneously placed adjacent a facet joint using needle dilation or a small incision. The tool guide is then placed through the access sheath adjacent an anterior surface of the superior articular process of the facet joint. The bone removal tool is advanced over the guide track to remove bone from the anterior surface. Optionally, after bone removal has been completed, the cutting tool may be advanced through the access sheath in order to partially cut the ligamentum flavum to further relieve compression of the spinal nerve(s).

2010-11-11

20100286696

Minimally Invasive Bone Miller Apparatus - A milling system is disclosed for creating a cavity in a bone. The cavity has a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side. The cavity is contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The system comprises a drive shaft, a frame for carrying a cutter and a cutter for cutting the cavity. The drive shaft has a proximal end configured for coupling to a drive means and a distal end configured to form a portion of a drive joint for coupling the drive shaft to a cutter. The frame includes a shaft and a cutter mount for mounting a cutter at a first angle approximating the acute angle with respect to the shaft. The mount includes a bracket extending laterally from the shaft to a bearing configured to receive a portion of a cutter and maintain the received cutter oriented at the first angle during rotation. The cutter has a head configured to form a portion of a drive joint for coupling the cutter to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is coupled to the cutter to form the drive joint. The cutter is received in the mount at the first angle and the drive shaft forms a second angle with the longitudinal axis less than the first angle.

Disposable burr attachment - A burr attachment designed for use with a Curved Burr Attachment or other chuck attachments that includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil spring surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking. The burr attachment includes a proximal end support and a distal end support formed on the end of said burr attachment wherein the wire shaft is affixed to said proximal end support and rotates relative to said distal end support and includes detents formed on each of the supports for engaging balls in said adapter so as to be operatively connected thereto when the burr attachment is aligned in said adapter to couple the burr attachment to said Curved Burr Attachment or other chuck attachments for rotary motion of said wire shaft and locating the cutter of said burr attachment to a precise location relative to the end of the Curved Burr Attachment or other chuck attachments. A dimple and annular groove are formed in the proximal end support and distal end support respectively to avoid the cutter from being inadvertently dislodged. A significant purpose of the burr attachment is that it is disposable while the chuck or the adapter of the Curved Burr Attachment is re-usable.